Root Canals

Root Canal Procedure in Monroe, LA

What is a root canal? Root canal procedure or endodontic therapy is the treatment of a severely infected or decayed tooth. When the nerve or dental pulp in the center of the tooth is dead or diseased, your Monroe, LA dentist will remove it and clean and seal the space. This is done to relieve pain, prevent the spread of infection, and prevent damage to nearby teeth.

Root canals have a fearsome reputation, but actual patients report that the procedure is about as uncomfortable as getting dental fillings. It is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel no pain whatsoever. What is truly painful is a severe toothache caused by the infected pulp and nerve.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

The dental pulp can be damaged by trauma to the face, a deep cavity, tooth fracture, or large dental fillings. When the pulp is damaged, bacteria will multiply and cause infection, swelling, bone damage in the root, and sometimes a pus-­filled abscess near the affected area. When the nerve is irritated, you may also experience severe, intermittent pain when you chew or eat.

Other signs that you need root canal therapy:

Persistent tooth sensitivity

Chronic bad breath

Tooth discoloration

Swollen gums

Sometimes there are no symptoms, so it’s important to see your dentist in Monroe regularly to check for problems. If X-­rays and tests confirm that there is a deep infection, Dr. Finley will perform a root canal.

The Procedure

Under local anesthetic (and sedation if needed), Dr. Finley will make a hole in the tooth to remove decay and debris all the way to the tips of the root. This is accomplished using special dental files. After cleaning and sanitizing the space, Dr. Finley will seal it with a rubbery filling material. He will then take tooth impressions to make the crown that will rebuild and protect the tooth.

Oftentimes, when patients would be fearful if they hear about root canal, probably because of the stories they heard or the experienced they had. But at Bayou Dental Group, patients are amazed on how easy a root canal can really be. Thanks to the help of the technology that make it even more easier and convenient. Find out more about root canals here - http://www.smile-creator.com/our-services/root-canals/ Please visit our website at http://www.smile-creator.com/ to see how we may be of service to you and your family. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Monroe, LA office by calling 318-302-4236. We look forward to serving you. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/davidfinleydds